Cruises to Ajaccio, Corsica

Ajaccio is the capital city of Corsica, an island of France located in the Mediterranean Sea. Ajaccio’s main claim to fame is that Napoleon Bonaparte was born here in 1769, but people visit this tranquil island during a Mediterranean cruise for much more than a history lesson on Bonaparte.

Corsica is an easy island to get around and a cruise to Ajaccio drops you off in a very walkable part of the island. Ajaccio is home to a French vibe that extends to the restaurants, cafes, and shops. The architecture has both a French vibe and leftover Italian influences from when the island was under rule by the Genovese. You’ll be able to experience both the French and Italian parts of Ajaccio as well as the elements that make it uniquely its own during an Ajaccio cruise port of call.

Le 20123

Named after the postcode in which it resides, the restaurant of Le 20123 is an eclectic experience that features life-sized dolls, a water fountain, and tables set around a central square and many other seemingly random features that all somehow work when brought together for a fun atmosphere while eating delicious cuisine. The restaurant serves a four-course menu with an emphasis on traditional meat dishes.

A Nepita

A Nepita takes a detour from the hearty cuisine often found in traditional Corsican food and instead offers a menu that features fresh local ingredients with an emphasis on seafood and vegetables. The menu changes daily to reflect what’s in season.

Auberge de la Restonica

If spending time in the hilltop village of Corte during your cruise to Ajaccio, visit the charming Auberge de la Restonica, which is located close to Corte on the banks of the Restonica River. The rustic ambiance provides the perfect backdrop to the traditional Corsican cuisine that is hearty and delicious.

Octopussy

Those looking for some beachfront ambiance with their meal should head to Octopussy, where you can dine with your toes in the sand. Octopussy is located in the town of Calvi right on the bay and has gorgeous views of the water and the citadel. Seafood and modern European cuisine are the highlights of the menu. The restaurant only stays open from mid-April to late September.

Don Quichotte

For some light cuisine and a refreshing drink with a view, visit Don Quichotte, an unassuming brasserie that has a terrace and reasonable prices.

The original settlement in the area of Ajaccio was founded by the Romans and eventually came under Genoese power. In 1768, Corsica became part of France and has been ever since with the exception of a few years under British occupation in the late 18th century, and when it was occupied by the Axis powers during World War II.

Most of Ajaccio’s economy is made up of tourism. Some other industries on the island include aeronautical components manufacturing and a commercial sea port. It also serves as an administrative center and as the seat of a prefect and a bishopric.

With regular ferry service from ports along the south coast of France, such as Nice and Marseille, Ajaccio is an island getaway for many French citizens and is also a favorite vacation spot for other Europeans who flock to the island in the summer months for some warm weather, lush scenery, gorgeous beaches, and fresh island cuisine.

You’ll also find many hiking trails, much of which is due to the ecological culture of Corsica and that its people are very passionate about protecting the environment on the island. Because of this, the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse (PNRC) was established in 1972 and designated about one-third of the island as a protected area.

While in Corsica, you’ll likely hear both French and Corsican being spoken. French is the official language, but some locals speak Corsican as well. Corsican is very similar to Italian, but is in danger of dying out due to a dwindling population of native speakers.

Corsica has a local bus system that runs several routes from Ajaccio. You can take a bus to popular destinations like l’Alta Rocca, Calvi, and Porto-Vecchio. Just be sure to check bus schedules for returning to Ajaccio as bus service can be sporadic.

A train station is located 500 meters north of the Ajaccio’s ferry terminal and takes visitors to on a scenic ride around the island between Ajaccio and Bastia, which is located on the northeast coast of the island.

There is also a taxi rank located outside the cruise terminal, though they aren’t always right there so you may have to wait for one. Be sure you agree on the amount beforehand as the meters aren’t always turned on. The tourist information center in Ajaccio can also help arrange taxi service if needed, but again, there may be a wait. Corsica is also known for its heavy traffic so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if using taxi service to get back to your cruise ship at the end of your day in Ajaccio.

Water taxis are also available in Ajaccio that transport visitors to nearby beaches.

Shopping opportunities abound during your Ajaccio cruise since many of the top places to shop can be found in the city and right around the port. You’ll find a good concentration of shops on the streets of Cours Napoleon and Rue Cardinal Fesch. The local market is a also a good place to head to try some local produce and find craftsmen selling their wares. For lots of culinary goodies, visit La Maison de Mina, which has an array of local delicacies of the bread, jam, honey, cheese, tapenade, and wine variety.

A popular souvenir to get is anything made from one of the fragrant plants grown all over the island, such as lavender, honeysuckle, myrtle, and rosemary. These plants are used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes that you can find sold in souvenir shops and boutiques in Ajaccio. Take a sniff to see which smell is your favorite and feel like Napoleon who famously said his nose would tell him if he was nearing his homeland while at sea even if he was blindfolded due to its distinct earthy aroma. Other popular souvenirs include honey and Corsican craft ware like art galtique, which are pictures created from pebbles and small pieces of wood.

Corsica is a French island and as France is a member of the European Union, the currency accepted in Ajaccio and the rest of the island is the euro. You’ll be able to find ATMs all over town dispensing euros. In addition, credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants though some establishments – particularly smaller restaurants and shops or family-run accommodation – take only cash.

Tipping is not expected, but is appreciated. Most people who live in the area just round up to the nearest euro note.

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